Pansy Ho Talks Tourism and Macao’s Next Era

A conversation with Pansy Ho

Few people understand the changing world of travel as well as Pansy Ho. She is Chairperson of MGM China, Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings and a leading voice in global tourism. She played a central role in the creation of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), which was launched in Macao twelve years ago. Pansy was a founder of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre.

When I met her recently, our discussion ranged from Macao’s future to travel technology, Saudi Arabia and China’s visa-free policies. Pansy was generous with her time and refreshingly direct. Her central belief is that tourism success comes from effort, imagination and partnership.

A leader shaped by travel

Pansy Ho studied marketing and international business management at Santa Clara University in the USA. She joined Shun Tak Holdings in 1995 and then began making significant contributions to building MGM China into a major hotel resort and entertainment business.

MGM China operates integrated resorts in Macao, MGM Macau and MGM Cotai. Pansy holds influential roles in various tourism bodies. These include the China Chamber of Tourism, the International Mountain Tourism Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council. In 2018, she became the UN World Tourism Organisations first Tourism Ambassador in Asia.

Her career shows a consistent theme. She sees tourism not simply as hotels and resorts, but as a force for economic and cultural development.

Can Macao keep its magic?

I asked Pansy how Macau can continue attracting tourists while protecting the old charm that makes it unique. Her answer was refreshingly honest. “Entrepreneurs involved in travel cannot rely only on luck and magic,” she told me. “They have to rely on really hard work and creative initiatives.” She said many outsiders underestimate the challenge of creating memorable attractions. “Many people think operating entertainment venues and coming up with unique tourist attractions is easy,” she said. “But we work really, really hard.” Pansy also welcomed healthy competition. “Sometimes our competitors get there first,” she explained. “But it doesn’t matter, it’s for the greater good and it keeps us all sharp.” For Pansy, Macau’s magic is not a fixed product. It must be refreshed through new ideas, better service and bold investment.

Travel technology and human experience

Technology is changing every part of the travel journey. But Pansy does not believe it will replace the desire to explore. “People have a desire to travel,” she said. “Technology is not suddenly going to remove that desire to be in a new and interesting place.”

Her view is that technology should support the human experience, not replace it. “We aim to make sure travellers get the best use and leverage from technology.”

Building bridges With Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is rapidly opening itself to international tourism. I asked Pansy whether her companies could help improve transport and visitor connections between China and the Kingdom.

She believes there is real potential. “There are many ways in which our companies can provide benefits to Saudi Arabia,” she said. Pansy has developed meaningful connections in the Middle East. She sees those relationships as a foundation for future cooperation. “This has resulted in different cultures joining hands to plan ahead and build solid fruitful connections, the future holds big potential.” Stronger air routes, tourism promotion and cultural partnerships will benefit both regions. They will soon give Chinese travellers more reasons to visit the Gulf.

Will China extend visa-free travel?

China’s visa policy has become one of the most important stories in global travel. The country began a trial unilateral visa-free policy in 2023. It has since expanded the scheme to travellers from 50 countries. Eligible visitors may stay for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit. China has also widened its 240-hour visa-free transit policy. This gives international travellers more flexibility when passing through the country. Recent additions include countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

The policy signals China’s intention to welcome more overseas visitors. It also supports Macau’s role as a gateway between China and international markets.

Tourism and the Belt and Road

Pansy is also focused on cooperation with Belt and Road countries. She is working to promote travel opportunities and encourage joint projects that benefit participating nations. Tourism can create practical links between countries. It supports airlines, hotels, cultural venues, local businesses and employment. Macau is well placed to contribute. Its blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage gives it a distinctive cultural identity. Pansy sees opportunity in connecting visitors, businesses and destinations across the Belt and Road network.

From a small watch shop to global luxury

As our meeting ended, I recalled my first trip to Macau. I remember seeing a tiny shop inside the Lisboa Hotel selling luxury watches. At the time, I wondered who would buy one there. Hong Kong was nearby, with an extraordinary choice of watches and luxury goods. We both reflected on how much has changed. Since Macau returned to China, the city has developed into a destination filled with luxury brands, grand resorts and international entertainment. The small watch shop now feels like a symbol of Macau’s earlier era. Today, the city offers abundance, confidence and world-class experiences.

What comes next for Macao?

Pansy Ho does not take Macau’s success for granted. She believes the destination must keep earning its place in the global travel market. That means investing in culture, hospitality, technology and international relationships. It also means remembering that travellers seek emotion as much as convenience. Macau has history, energy and ambition. With leaders such as Pansy Ho shaping its future, it is likely to remain one of Asia’s most compelling destinations.